CompTIA A+ & Network+: Complete Certification Study Guide 2026
March 2026 · 8 min read
Why CompTIA A+ is the #1 Entry-Level IT Certification
CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification in the world, and for good reason. It is vendor-neutral (covering skills applicable across all hardware and software environments), DoD 8570 approved (required for US government IT roles), and explicitly recognized by major employers including Google, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, and virtually every managed services provider. The A+ certification consists of two separate exams that must both be passed: Core 1 (exam code 220-1101) and Core 2 (exam code 220-1102). Core 1 covers: mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware and network troubleshooting. Core 2 covers: operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Each exam contains up to 90 questions (a mix of multiple choice and performance-based questions), with a 90-minute time limit. Passing scores are 675/900 for Core 1 and 700/900 for Core 2. Performance-based questions (drag-and-drop, simulations) appear first and can be time-consuming — budget your time carefully. The certification is valid for three years, after which you renew through continuing education or retesting. For anyone entering IT support, help desk, or systems administration roles, A+ is the logical starting point and provides the foundational vocabulary needed for every subsequent certification. It's also a prerequisite (formal or informal) for most entry-level IT job postings.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Key Topics
Core 1 (220-1101) is hardware and networking focused. Here are the highest-priority areas: Hardware: You must know motherboard form factors (ATX, microATX, mini-ITX), CPU socket types, RAM standards (DDR4 vs DDR5 — speeds, pin counts, voltage differences), and storage interfaces (SATA, NVMe/M.2, PCIe). Know how to install and troubleshoot each component. Networking Basics: TCP/IP fundamentals, IPv4 vs IPv6 addressing, basic subnetting (understanding /24, /16, /8 CIDR notation), common network devices (routers, switches, access points, firewalls). This section overlaps significantly with Network+ content. Port Numbers — memorize these for the exam: • HTTP: 80 • HTTPS: 443 • SSH: 22 • RDP: 3389 • FTP: 20/21 • DNS: 53 • DHCP: 67/68 • SMTP: 25 • POP3: 110 • IMAP: 143 Mobile Devices: iOS vs Android troubleshooting, mobile device management (MDM), synchronization methods, cellular standards (5G, LTE). Virtualization and Cloud: IaaS/PaaS/SaaS definitions and examples, hypervisor types (Type 1 vs Type 2), resource requirements for VMs. Practice identifying hardware components from photos — A+ performance-based questions often show images of components and ask you to identify or install them correctly.
CompTIA A+ Core 2 Key Topics
Core 2 (220-1102) is operating systems, security, and troubleshooting focused. Windows OS: Know the command-line tools cold — these appear constantly: • ipconfig /all: display network configuration • netstat -an: view active connections and listening ports • sfc /scannow: scan and repair system files • chkdsk: check disk for errors • diskpart: disk partitioning tool • tasklist / taskkill: manage processes Also know Windows editions (Home, Pro, Enterprise), upgrade paths, and registry locations for common settings. Linux and macOS: Basic Linux commands (ls, cd, chmod, sudo, grep), macOS terminal tools, Unix-style file permissions (read/write/execute for owner/group/others). Cybersecurity: Malware types (virus, worm, trojan, ransomware, rootkit, spyware — know the difference). Social engineering attacks (phishing, vishing, shoulder surfing, tailgating). Encryption concepts (symmetric vs asymmetric, AES, RSA). Physical security (cable locks, biometric access). Scripting: Basic PowerShell and Python concepts (variables, loops, conditionals). You won't write scripts on the exam, but you need to recognize what a script does. SOHO Networks: Setting up a small office/home office network — SSID configuration, WPA3 security, DHCP reservation, port forwarding, firmware updates.
CompTIA Network+: The Next Step
After passing both A+ exams, Network+ (N10-009 as of 2024) is the natural next certification. It deepens your networking knowledge considerably and is valued for network administrator, NOC technician, and junior network engineer roles. Network+ goes well beyond A+ networking coverage: OSI Model: All 7 layers and which protocols operate at each layer. Troubleshooting methodology based on OSI (start at Layer 1 physical, work up). This is tested extensively. Subnetting: CIDR notation, calculating host ranges, broadcast addresses, and usable IPs. Practice subnetting calculations until they're automatic — typically 3–5 questions on the exam. Protocols in Depth: DNS (A records, MX records, CNAME, TTL), DHCP (lease process — DORA: Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge), VLAN configuration, STP (Spanning Tree Protocol to prevent loops). Wireless Standards: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) vs Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 6E — frequency bands, maximum speeds, key improvements. Network Security: Firewalls (stateful vs stateless), IDS vs IPS (detection vs prevention), DMZ architecture, VPN types (SSL, IPsec, site-to-site vs remote access). Troubleshooting Methodology: CompTIA's seven-step process (identify the problem, establish a theory, test the theory, establish a plan, implement the solution, verify functionality, document). This is a guaranteed exam topic. Network+ is also good preparation before pursuing Cisco CCNA, which is the next tier of networking credentials.
Best Study Resources (Free and Paid)
The good news about CompTIA certifications: excellent free resources exist alongside paid options. Free Resources: • Professor Messer (professormesser.com): The definitive free resource for CompTIA exams. Video courses, study notes, and practice exams — all free. His videos follow the exam objectives precisely. Most successful A+ candidates use Messer as their primary resource. • ExamCompass (examcompass.com): Free practice tests organized by domain. Good for identifying weak areas quickly. • CompTIA's own CertMaster Learn: A free trial version is available. Paid Resources: • Jason Dion (Udemy): Comprehensive courses typically available for $15–20 during Udemy sales. His practice exams are highly regarded for difficulty and accuracy. • Darril Gibson books (Mike Meyers is also popular): Physical study guides for candidates who prefer reading over video. • Total Seminars (Mike Meyers): All-in-One exam guides are comprehensive and include hands-on labs. Hands-On Labs — Critical for Performance-Based Questions: • VirtualBox (free): Set up Windows and Linux VMs on your computer. Practice the command-line tools that appear on Core 2. • TryHackMe or HackTheBox: Gamified cybersecurity labs that reinforce A+ security topics. AI-Assisted Study: Use QuizForge to generate practice questions from Professor Messer's study notes. Paste a section of notes on port numbers or security concepts, generate 20 questions, and use spaced repetition to drill them — this is highly efficient for the memorization-heavy portions of A+ and Network+.
90-Day Study Plan
A focused 90-day plan covers both A+ exams and gives you a foundation for Network+. Budget 1–2 hours daily. Month 1 — Core 1 (220-1101): • Week 1–2: Hardware domain (components, installation, troubleshooting) • Week 3: Networking domain (TCP/IP, port numbers, network devices) • Week 4: Mobile devices, virtualization, cloud — take a full Core 1 practice test to assess readiness Month 2 — Core 2 (220-1102) and Practice Tests: • Week 1–2: Operating systems domain (Windows command line, editions, Linux basics) • Week 3: Security domain (malware types, social engineering, encryption) • Week 4: Take 2 full Core 2 practice tests. If scoring consistently above 80%, schedule your real exams. Month 3 — Network+ (N10-009) / Review: • Week 1–2: OSI model, subnetting, core protocols (DNS, DHCP, VLAN) • Week 3: Wireless, network security, troubleshooting methodology • Week 4: Full Network+ practice exams. Aim for 80%+ on practice before testing. Key principle: never schedule your real exam until you are consistently scoring 80%+ on full-length practice tests from at least two different providers. One provider's tests can be misleadingly easy.
Paste CompTIA notes and AI generates practice questions instantly. Perfect for memorizing port numbers, protocols, and commands.